2008 Highlander Challenge World Champs

2008 Highlander Challenge World Championships by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. | ©2007 IronMind

Dr. Douglas Edmunds, fondly known as the godfather of strongman, appears to be focusing his latest efforts on the Highlander Games - a concept that combines “traditional throws, gladatorial challenges and feats of strength.” Dr. Douglas Edmunds, long a central figure in strongman, appears to be focusing on a new concept, the Highlander Games, and he has announced a television production which will include some traditional events along with the gladatorial element that Edmunds favors. Randall J. Strossen photo. The 2008 Highlander World Championships will be held July 19-20 at Scone Palace (near Perth, Scotland), and the competition will be structured with “two international qualifying heats,” and “all athletes will be world champions, record holders or Olympians,” Edmunds said. Edmunds sees the Highlander Games as “a fusion of historical links and traditional sport echoing the preparations for war by our ancestors,” and the results of his promotional efforts will be three one-hour television programs for Channel 4 in the UK. Although this sounds a bit tame compared to the near-carnage anticipated on the competitive field, Edmunds reported that a “supporting program of interactive dancing, music and other attractions” would also be included.

 

 

 

 

-Man, I hope this concept takes off. Goddodin games in 2007 looked like a good show. An added strength dimension to Highland games, sounds like exactly the thing I'd want to do if I get stronger with age. Purists may not like it though.

 

Comments?

Ah, that thread brings back memories. Loved the back and forth between meat and Baab about Baab's daughters. Funny stuff.

Best quote was this by Zolk:

If Doug Edmunds is creating this competition so an American can't win that would explain my invite.

DE- "what are your measurements?"

MZ- "Well, I'm 6'-4" and 280lbs."

DE- "Oh. Your on the small side a bit."

No. The best was when I saw the "Rock - Paper - Scissors" Challenge for $50,000 on ESPN 2!

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eanWnL3FtM

Is that for real. I mean it almost seems like something you would see on SNL or mad tv. What a joke. "these are the moments where sports legends are made" was what the announcer said at one point. I guess if you are up till 4:00 am on a tuesday you can see prety much anything on TV. If that can get broadcasted at any time, the HG's should be able to get prime time. How did they get a crowd? did they give away free beer? What the hell is this world comming to? What's next, a nationally televised dungeons and dragons tournament? I hate TV!

It hurts bad to see that kind of money going to crappy events like that. At least Douglas is trying to make something out of our sport. Even if it is a crossbreed of sports.

I know a lot of opinions last time were against the merging of the 2 sports. What are the opinions now?????

meat wrote: Even if it is a crossbread of sports.

 

meat wrote: I know a lot of opinions last time were against the merging of the 2 sports. What are the opinions now?????

 I think it's a good idea. I have promoted strongman contests in the past and last year promoted my first highland games. This year I will be doing a hybrid games. It will be heavy braemar stone , heavy weight for distance, caber , weight for height, timber frame  farmers walk , and either keg or stone loading event. 

big MAC wrote: Does anyone think the hybrid games has flooded the sport (HG) with guys who can't pee in a cup, as was a few opinions last year? Or is it still too early to tell?

Let me be the first, and probably only, to say....Who cares? 

If these contests are overseas with no policy, you point isn't really valid, imo. 

You got to love bent abbott! he was on some stuff up here in Utah last june. Its called famous daves bar-b-q. just stuffing his face with it before he would throw. see ya soon brent.

Mr. Natural wrote: Brent Abbott wrote: to answer Craig's question: people who value fair play, honor, health and (in most cases) not breaking the law regarding controlled substances. Gets a thumbs up from me actually.

Not enough to stop you from going overseas, competing with some individuals who clearly don't value fair play, honor, etc.... (according to the above standards) and taking money while invovled in those shows?

Makes no difference to me (i don't travel overseas, have no desire too, and hardly throw anymore), but perhaps Dougie Edmunds goal is to put on the best show, with the most freaks regardless, cause that what brings the spectators in, like it or not.  WSM, Pro Wrestling, NFL, MLB, hell even the Olympics...

Maybe you have some more insight Dave since you have talked with those invovled throughout the years?

I'm not gonna let this thread get too outta hand, but that just jumped out at me. 

xxxxl wrote: Guys these contests are actually are just repeats of what was called the World Heavy Events Championships circa 88-92 or so. It was the freak show of all freak shows . JPS, Gary Taylor, Jamie Reeves,Henning Torsen, Magnus Ver etc etc etc. Even though at times I felt a bit unarmed (no pun intended)it was a great mix of strongman events and traditional events that I enjoyed being a part of. Radioactive or not it was just fun to compete with the strongest of their time, or of all time !!! Paul

Thanks Dave ,but i'd rather be Pope....... it's the cool hat!

My point exactly!